A wine itinerary: the wineries of the Valdera
Vineyards climbing the hills between Pisa, Volterra and Florence: the Valdera is one of Tuscany's lesser-known wine areas, but no less interesting to discover, glass in hand.
A Tuscan wine region still to be discovered
While Chianti and the Val d'Orcia draw most of the wine-tourism attention in Tuscany, the Valdera remains a more low-key area, but one with a solid winemaking tradition and an equally striking landscape.
The hills surrounding the villages of Lari, Terricciola, Peccioli, Chianni and Palaia are dotted with vineyards alternating with olive groves and woods, in a landscape reminiscent of the region's more famous areas but with a slower, less touristy pace. The area's wineries, often family-run, offer the chance to taste wines tied to local tradition, told directly by the people who make them.
The stages of the itinerary
- Morning
From Pontedera towards the hills of Terricciola
Terricciola is one of the towns most tied to the Valdera's winemaking tradition: its hills host several farms where you can book a visit to the vineyards and the cellar.
- Mid-morning
First tasting
A stop at one of the area's wineries lets you sample local wines, often paired with a small board of local cold cuts and cheeses.
- Lunch
Lunch among the vineyards
Some farms also offer dining or lunches by reservation, a way to taste local cuisine surrounded by vineyard scenery.
- Afternoon
Towards Lari or Chianni
In the afternoon you can move on to other Valdera wine areas, such as the surroundings of Lari or the higher hills of Chianni, for another tasting stop or simply to enjoy the view.
- Evening
Back to Pontedera
The day closes with a return to Pontedera, perhaps with dinner in the centre to round off the day's food-and-wine experience.
When to go
The wine itinerary can be followed practically all year round, but some periods offer a special experience: the grape harvest, between late summer and early autumn, lets you see the wineries at the peak of their activity, while spring gives the vineyards their most vivid colours as they bud. In autumn, moreover, many local wineries take part in festivals dedicated to new wine, one more reason to combine the itinerary with a local event.
If your stay coincides with the right time of year, look into the wine festivals organised in the Valdera villages: they're often the easiest way to taste several different labels in the same place.
Practical tips
Book visits in advance, especially on weekends and during peak season, contacting the wineries you're interested in directly. If the group plans more than one tasting, consider arranging a designated driver or relying on an organised tour with transport included. Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk among the vine rows, and remember that many wineries sell their bottles directly on site, a good way to bring home a piece of the Valdera.
FAQ
Do you need to book to visit the Valdera wineries?
Yes, in most cases it's best to book directly with the winery in advance, both for the visit and the tasting: many are family-run and organise access by appointment.
What wines are produced in the Valdera?
The area mainly produces red and white wines in the Tuscan tradition, with vineyards spread across the hills surrounding the Valdera villages. Individual wineries generally offer a range of labels reflecting the grape varieties grown in their area.
Can you do a winery tour without a designated driver?
It's best to have a driver who won't be drinking during the tastings, or to rely on organised tours with transport included, often offered by local agencies or by the wineries themselves for special events.